CVE-2008-6038 in MapCal
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in index.php in MapCal 0.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the id parameter in an editevent action, possibly related to dsp_editevent.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/04/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-6038 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the MapCal 0.1 web application, specifically affecting the index.php file during the editevent action. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization practices, allowing malicious actors to manipulate database queries through the id parameter. The flaw is particularly concerning as it enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands without requiring authentication or privileged access to the system. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data theft, as it can potentially lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive information stored within the application's database. The attack vector leverages the application's failure to properly escape or validate user-supplied input, creating a direct pathway for malicious SQL code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws where untrusted data is incorporated into SQL queries without proper sanitization. The vulnerability occurs when the application processes the id parameter in the editevent action, typically used to identify specific calendar events for modification. Attackers can craft malicious input that alters the intended SQL query structure, potentially allowing them to extract, modify, or delete database records. The vulnerability's scope is amplified by the fact that it operates within a web interface, making it accessible to anyone with network access to the affected application. This particular implementation demonstrates poor input validation practices that violate fundamental security principles, as the application directly incorporates user-provided data into database queries without adequate filtering or parameterization.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-6038 extends far beyond immediate data compromise, as it provides attackers with the capability to manipulate the entire calendar application's data integrity. Successful exploitation could result in unauthorized access to calendar events, user information, and potentially sensitive organizational data stored within the MapCal system. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage and T1213.002 for data from information repositories, as it allows for unauthorized data access and potential lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability's persistence and the potential for data exfiltration make it a significant concern for organizations that rely on calendar management systems for business operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-6038 should focus on implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection attacks. Organizations should immediately apply the vendor's patch if available or implement input sanitization measures that escape special characters and validate all user-supplied data before processing. The implementation of prepared statements or parameterized queries represents the most effective defense mechanism against this vulnerability, as these approaches ensure that user input is treated as data rather than executable code. Additionally, network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of vulnerable applications to untrusted networks. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications, particularly focusing on database interaction patterns and input handling mechanisms. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure coding practices and the necessity of implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect against SQL injection attacks that can compromise entire database systems.